Loss in Topeka pushes Chieftains out of contention for state

The Tonganoxie High School football team's 2004 season ended Saturday, with a 27-14 loss against Topeka Hayden on Hayden's home field.

The Chieftains got off to a good start during Saturday's Class 4A state playoff game at Hummer Sports Park.

After that, though, it was all Topeka Hayden.

Early in the second quarter, Hayden (11-0) had fourth-and-one from the Tonganoxie one-yard line. Hayden fumbled on the play, and Tongie's Garrett Palmer recovered and took the ball to the end zone for a 99-yard touchdown.

Four straight scores by Hayden put the game away after that. The Chieftains mustered a late TD pass from Ross Starcher to Sam Mitchell, but they couldn't rally.